Genitourinary syndrome of lactation: a new perspective on postpartum and lactation-related genitourinary symptoms.

BACKGROUND: The genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is a well-documented condition characterized by a range of genitourinary symptoms in peri- and postmenopausal women. As with GSM, postpartum lactating women experience reduced estrogen and androgen levels. However, there is limited research on the impact of symptoms during the postpartum breastfeeding period. OBJECTIVES: The aim was to review the literature for genitourinary health in the postpartum breastfeeding population and summarize key findings and potential treatments. METHODS: We performed a comprehensive literature review in PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus from inception of database to November 2023 using the following keywords individually and in combination: "physiology of postpartum" or "physiology of lactogenesis" or "vulvovaginal health" or "vaginal atrophy" or "vaginal dryness" or "dyspareunia" or "urinary incontinence" or "lactation" or "breastfeeding" or "vaginal estrogen." All identified articles published in English were considered. Relevant studies were extracted, evaluated, and analyzed. The work presented in this article represents a summative review of the identified literature. RESULTS: During lactation, high levels of prolactin inhibit estrogen and androgen secretion via negative feedback, which leads to an increased prevalence of vulvovaginal atrophy, vaginal dryness, dyspareunia, and urinary incontinence in lactating postpartum women. Despite these highly prevalent and potentially devastating symptoms, there is a lack of consistent screening at postpartum visits and no treatment guidelines available to health care providers. CONCLUSION: Postpartum breastfeeding women experience similar physiology and symptoms to the postmenopausal phase, as seen in GSM. We propose the introduction of a novel term to describe the genitourinary changes seen in postpartum breastfeeding individuals: genitourinary syndrome of lactation. The diagnostic use of genitourinary syndrome of lactation will equip health care providers with an all-encompassing term to bring awareness to the symptoms experienced by postpartum breastfeeding individuals and lead to improved screening and treatment for the high numbers of individuals experiencing these genitourinary changes.

Safety of vaginal oestrogens for genitourinary symptoms in women with breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Oestrogen deprivation is the mainstay of treatment for women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, but unfortunately it causes multiple side effects that can significantly impair quality of life. Genitourinary symptoms are very common and although these symptoms can be effectively managed with vaginal oestrogens, concerns about their safety in women with breast cancer limits their use. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this review is to provide a summary of the data on the safety of vaginal oestrogens in women with breast cancer to help general practitioners advise their patients in this situation. DISCUSSION: Although there are no large randomised prospective studies to assess safety, the current evidence suggests reassurance can be provided to the majority of women with a history of breast cancer considering vaginal oestrogens. Consultation with the oncology team is advised for women taking aromatase inhibitors, where the safety of vaginal oestrogens is less certain.

Insights into the vulvar component of the genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM).

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause is a comprehensive term that groups genital, urinary and sexual signs and symptoms mainly due sex hormone deficiency and aging, with a crucial impact on quality of life of midlife women. While this broad definition captures the common underlying physiopathology and the frequent overlap of symptomatology, improving knowledge about different components of genitourinary syndrome of menopause may be relevant for individualized treatment, with possible implications for efficacy, compliance and satisfaction. This narrative review focuses on the vulvar component of genitourinary syndrome of menopause, highlighting anatomical and functional peculiarities of the vulva that are responsible for some of the self-reported symptoms, as well as specific signs at physical examination. Increasing evidence points towards a pivotal role of vulvar vestibular health in the occurrence of sexual pain, one of the most common and distressing symptoms of genitourinary syndrome of menopause, which should be evaluated with validated scales taking a biopsychosocial perspective. This is an essential step in the recognition of different phenotypes of genitourinary syndrome of menopause and in the assessment of the most effective diagnostic and therapeutic algorithm. Menopausal vulvar health deserves more research into tailored non-hormonal and hormonal treatment options.

Mulheres submetidas ao transplante de medula óssea: impacto dos quimioterápicos e da doença do enxerto contra o hospedeiro sobre o sistema reprodutor / Women undergoing bone marrow transplantation: impact of chemotherapy and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) on the feminine reproductive system

O transplante de medula óssea (TMO) é um procedimento indicado para o tratamento de doenças hematológicas, que afetam muitas mulheres jovens. O aperfeiçoamento dos cuidados durante o TMO proporciona altos índices de cura e de sobrevida. No entanto, pode deixar sequelas em vários órgãos e sistemas, entre eles o sistema reprodutor e os órgãos genitais, impactando negativamente a qualidade de vida das receptoras do TMO. O objetivo desta publicação foi realizar uma revisão narrativa sobre o tema e propor um protocolo assistencial que torne acessível os cuidados relacionados à saúde sexual e reprodutiva a esse grupo especial de mulheres, baseado em dados clínicos de um ambulatório de assistência ginecológica às mulheres transplantadas no Hospital Amaral Carvalho, em Jaú, no interior de São Paulo.(AU)

Bone marrow transplantation (BMT) is indicated for the treatment of hematological diseases which affect many young women. The improvement of care during BMT procedures provides higher cure and survival rates. however, it can cause sequelae in various organs and systems, including the reproductive system and genitals, negatively impacting quality of life. The purpose of this publication is to present a narrative review related to this theme and to propose a healthcare protocol that allows sexual and reproductive care in this special group of patients, based on the clinical experience of a gynecological outpatient clinic at the Amaral Carvalho Hospital, in Jaú (SP) which specifically care for these women.(AU)

Alterações patológicas do sistema genital de cutias (Dasyprocta aguti Linnaeus, 1758) fêmeas criadas em cativeiro / Pathological changes of the genital system of agoutis (Dasyprocta aguti Linnaeus, 1758) females bred in captivity

Este artigo apresenta relatos de sete distintas patologias de origem reprodutiva ainda não descritas em cutias (Dasyprocta aguti Linnaeus, 1758) fêmeas, que afetaram a fertilidade ou resultaram na morte do animal. Descreveu-se a natureza, a localização e a frequência das alterações patológicas macroscópicas e histológicas dos órgãos que compõem o sistema reprodutivo de cutias fêmeas, criadas sob condições de cativeiro no semiárido do Brasil. Foram avaliados através do exame anatomopatológico o aparelho reprodutivo de trinta e nove cutias mortas naturalmente e encaminhadas ao Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária, no período de fevereiro de 2010 a maio de 2015. Destas, constatou-se alterações patológicas no sistema reprodutivo de 10 (25,6 %). No total, 13 alterações foram observadas, sendo que, em alguns animais haviam a coexistência de mais de uma alteração. Assim, as alterações patológicas encontradas foram: endometrite (n=4; 30,8%), piometra (n=3; 23%), retenção de placenta (n=2; 15,4%), maceração fetal (n=1; 7,7%), mumificação fetal (n=1; 7,7%), parto distócico (n=1; 7,7%) e ovários afuncionais (n=1; 7,7%).(AU)

This paper presents seven distinct reports diseases with reproductive origins that are not yet described in females agoutis (Dasyprocta aguti Linnaeus, 1758), affecting fertility or resulted in the animal's death. The nature, location and frequency of macroscopic and histological pathological changes of the organs that compose the reproductive system of female agoutis, created under conditions of captivity in the semiarid region of Brazil, are described in this article. Were evaluated by pathological examination of the reproductive tract of thirty-nine naturally dead agoutis and sent to the Veterinary Pathology Laboratory in February 2010 to May 2015. From these, it was found pathological alterations in the reproductive system of 10 (25.6%). A total of 13 abnormalities were observed, and in some animals had the coexistence of more than one alteration. Thus, the pathological changes were: endometritis (n=4, 30.8%), pyometra (n=3; 23%), retained placenta (n=2; 15.4%), fetal maceration (n=1, 7.7%), fetal mummification (n=1, 7.7%), dystocia (n=1, 7.7%) and afuncionais ovary (n=1, 7.7%).(AU)

Fisiopatología y tratamiento de la atrofia genitourinaria en mujeres / Pathophysiology and therapy of urogenital atrophy in women

La involución del tracto genital femenino refleja su integración con los cambios que sufre el eje hipotálamo-hipofisario-ovárico. El descenso de los niveles de estradiol conlleva una serie de efectos adversos, incluidos los relativos a las vías urinarias inferiores. El cambio más importante es la atrofia vaginal: la mucosa vaginal se vuelve más fina y seca, lo cual puede producir incomodidad vaginal, sequedad, quemazón, prurito y dispareunia. El epitelio vaginal puede presentar cambios inflamatorios y ser un factor que contribuya a los síntomas urinarios, tales como frecuencia, urgencia, disuria, incontinencia, e infecciones recurrentes. Por otra parte, se ha sugerido que los niveles bajos de estrógenos pueden afectar los tejidos periuretrales y contribuir a la laxitud de la pelvis y la incontinencia de esfuerzo. Relacionados con el hipoestrogenismo, los cambios en el pH y la flora vaginal pueden predisponer a las mujeres posmenopáusicas a las infecciones del tracto urinario. La terapia hormonal local en forma de cremas, comprimidos o supositorios es la base del tratamiento de la atrofia genital. Además, otras vías de administración de hormonas, tanto local como sistémica, también han demostrado ser válidas. Sin embargo, a pesar de que los beneficios del reemplazo con estrógenos en la prevención de la atrofia vaginal y la reducción de la incidencia de los síntomas están bien establecidos, este tipo de tratamiento está contraindicado en algunas mujeres y no es una opción aceptable para otras. Pero además, la ruta óptima de administración del tratamiento hormonal, el régimen, las dosis, y las alternativas no hormonales para mejorar los síntomas y la calidad de vida de la población posmenopáusica no han sido completamente estudiados. Esta revisión se centra en los cambios del envejecimiento vaginal e intenta presentar una sinopsis de la fisiopatología y el tratamiento de la atrofia vaginal y la vaginitis atrófica. (AU)

Fisiopatología y tratamiento de la atrofia genitourinaria en mujeres / Pathophysiology and therapy of urogenital atrophy in women

La involución del tracto genital femenino refleja su integración con los cambios que sufre el eje hipotálamo-hipofisario-ovárico. El descenso de los niveles de estradiol conlleva una serie de efectos adversos, incluidos los relativos a las vías urinarias inferiores. El cambio más importante es la atrofia vaginal: la mucosa vaginal se vuelve más fina y seca, lo cual puede producir incomodidad vaginal, sequedad, quemazón, prurito y dispareunia. El epitelio vaginal puede presentar cambios inflamatorios y ser un factor que contribuya a los síntomas urinarios, tales como frecuencia, urgencia, disuria, incontinencia, e infecciones recurrentes. Por otra parte, se ha sugerido que los niveles bajos de estrógenos pueden afectar los tejidos periuretrales y contribuir a la laxitud de la pelvis y la incontinencia de esfuerzo. Relacionados con el hipoestrogenismo, los cambios en el pH y la flora vaginal pueden predisponer a las mujeres posmenopáusicas a las infecciones del tracto urinario. La terapia hormonal local en forma de cremas, comprimidos o supositorios es la base del tratamiento de la atrofia genital. Además, otras vías de administración de hormonas, tanto local como sistémica, también han demostrado ser válidas. Sin embargo, a pesar de que los beneficios del reemplazo con estrógenos en la prevención de la atrofia vaginal y la reducción de la incidencia de los síntomas están bien establecidos, este tipo de tratamiento está contraindicado en algunas mujeres y no es una opción aceptable para otras. Pero además, la ruta óptima de administración del tratamiento hormonal, el régimen, las dosis, y las alternativas no hormonales para mejorar los síntomas y la calidad de vida de la población posmenopáusica no han sido completamente estudiados. Esta revisión se centra en los cambios del envejecimiento vaginal e intenta presentar una sinopsis de la fisiopatología y el tratamiento de la atrofia vaginal y la vaginitis atrófica.

Neuropatia autonômica: uma complicação de alto risco no diabetes melito tipo 1: [revisão] / Autonomic neuropathy: a high risk complication for type 1 diabetes mellitus: [review]

O acometimento patológico do sistema nervoso no diabetes melito é muito amplo e, freqüentemente, bastante grave. A prevalência de neuropatia diabética atinge níveis elevados com a evolução temporal do diabetes, chegando, geralmente, a freqüências acima de 50 por cento de lesão neurológica em diferentes grupos de pacientes analisados em nosso meio e no exterior. A lesão neurológica nesta situação patológica é extensa no organismo humano diabético, envolvendo amplamente todo o sistema nervoso periférico nos seus componentes sensitivo-motor e autonômico: com clínica característica e concordante com as hipóteses patogênicas de natureza metabólica e/ou microvascular. O sistema nervoso autonômico é o elemento fundamental na regulação da função da maior parte dos sistemas ou órgãos no organismo, portanto, a sua lesão pode trazer importantes alterações para as funções cardiovascular, respiratória, digestiva, urinária e genital, podendo influir na função vital de alguns desses órgãos ou sistemas. Este artigo aborda as alterações decorrentes da lesão do sistema nervoso autonômico, especialmente nos pacientes diabéticos tipo 1, procurando dimensionar o risco de morbimortalidade.

The pathological alteration of the nervous system in diabetic patients is extensive and frequently severe. The prevalence of the diabetic neuropathy reach high levels with the evolution of the diabetes, often showing frequencies higher than 50 percent in several groups of patients. The neurological lesion in this pathological situation is extensive in the diabetic patient, including widely the peripheral nervous system with its components sensory, motor and autonomic: with typical symptoms and in accordance with the pathogenesis of metabolic origin and/or microvascular disease. The autonomic nervous system is a main regulator of many systems in the human body. Then its lesion can promote significant alterations in the function of the cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, urogenital system, that can be related to increased motality. This review anlyses the abnormalities related to lesion of the autonomic nervous system, particularly in type 1 diabetic patients, trying to characterize the risk of morbidity and mortality.

Pudendal somatosensory evoked potentials in normal women

OBJECTIVE: Somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP) is an electrophysiological test used to evaluate sensory innervations in peripheral and central neuropathies. Pudendal SSEP has been studied in dysfunctions related to the lower urinary tract and pelvic floor. Although some authors have already described technical details pertaining to the method, the standardization and the influence of physiological variables in normative values have not yet been established, especially for women. The aim of the study was to describe normal values of the pudendal SSEP and to compare technical details with those described by other authors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The clitoral sensory threshold and pudendal SSEP latency was accomplished in 38 normal volunteers. The results obtained from stimulation performed on each side of the clitoris were compared to ages, body mass index (BMI) and number of pregnancies. RESULTS: The values of clitoral sensory threshold and P1 latency with clitoral left stimulation were respectively, 3.64 ± 1.01 mA and 37.68 ± 2.60 ms. Results obtained with clitoral right stimulation were 3.84 ± 1.53 mA and 37.42 ± 3.12 ms, respectively. There were no correlations between clitoral sensory threshold and P1 latency with age, BMI or height of the volunteers. A significant difference was found in P1 latency between nulliparous women and volunteers who had been previously submitted to cesarean section. CONCLUSIONS: The SSEP latency represents an accessible and reproducible method to investigate the afferent pathways from the genitourinary tract. These results could be used as normative values in studies involving genitourinary neuropathies in order to better clarify voiding and sexual dysfunctions in females.

Dolor de origen urogenital / Pain of urogenital origin

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